Symbyax

Medications such as Symbyax can interfere with the regulation of body temperature. Do not get overheated or become dehydrated while taking Symbyax. Avoid extreme heat and drink plenty of fluids.

Symbyax sometimes causes drowsiness. It can impair your judgment, thinking, and motor skills. Use caution while driving, and don't operate dangerous machinery until you know how the drug affects you.

Serotonin-boosting antidepressants such as fluoxetine, one of the ingredients in Symbyax, could potentially cause stomach bleeding. This is especially likely when serotonin-boosters are combined with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and ketoprofen (Orudis KT). Consult your doctor before combining Symbyax with NSAIDs or blood-thinning medications.

Animal studies suggest that olanzapine, one of the ingredients in Symbyax, may increase the risk of breast cancer, although human studies have not confirmed such a risk. If you have a history of breast cancer, see your doctor regularly for checkups.

Prolonged seizures have occurred in people receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) while taking fluoxetine, one of the ingredients in Symbyax. To date, there are no clinical studies establishing the benefit of combined treatment with fluoxetine and ECT.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Symbyax

Avoid alcohol while taking Symbyax. The combination can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure.

Never combine Symbyax with MAO inhibitors (see "Most important fact about this drug").

Do not take Symbyax with thioridazine (Mellaril). Wait at least 5 weeks between stopping Symbyax and starting thioridazine.

Be careful using Symbyax with Zyprexa, Zyprexa Zydis, Prozac, Prozac Weekly, or Sarafem. Symbyax contains the same active ingredients as these medications.

Be careful about combining Symbyax with aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, or with other drugs that affect blood clotting. The combination may increase the risk of bleeding.